Botswana 7 Day Pioneer Victoria Falls Zambia to Maun (2027)

Welcome to the start of your 15-day African adventure. You may choose to fly into either Livingstone or Victoria Falls airport and arrange a transfer to the lodge (at your own expense), where you'll meet the rest of your group. Our homely base for the next three nights is perfectly positioned on the banks of the Zambezi River. While many visitors choose to stay in Victoria Falls Town, Livingstone offers a more authentic and relaxed gateway to the region, often allowing travellers to enjoy the area's highlights away from the crowds. From here, you'll still have easy access to Victoria Falls, sunset river cruises, adrenaline-filled adventure activities, as well as wildlife safaris, all while enjoying the laid-back charm of Zambia's tourism capital. With excellent value for food and beverages, a welcoming local atmosphere, and the river quite literally on your doorstep, the lodge is the ideal base from which to explore one of Africa's most iconic destinations. This evening, settle in at the lodge and get to know your fellow adventurers. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the lodge restaurant as the sounds of the mighty Victoria Falls echo through the night, setting the scene for the incredible journey ahead. Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge or similar - Dinner

The day begins with breakfast at the lodge before heading out for an immersive wildlife experience in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Enjoy game viewing, followed by a memorable guided rhino-walking safari offering an opportunity to track these endangered animals on foot. After a picnic lunch, enjoy leisure time at the lodge. The afternoon transitions into a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, where drinks (own expense) and spectacular scenery round off the day. Dine at the lodge restaurant or at a hotel nearby (own expense). Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge or similar - Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to a guided experience exploring the natural wonder that is Victoria Falls, called 'Mosi-Oa-Tunya' by the locals (meaning 'the smoke that thunders') on the Zambian side. We have ample free time to take in the falls at our own pace or cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe (multiple-entry visa required) for different perspectives. For those seeking adventure, a range of optional own expense adrenaline activities can be arranged independently in either country. You have time at leisure to explore Victoria Falls town, including its tribal village and curio market. Your Victoria Falls experience is entirely yours for the making. Tonight, you will be transferred to and from a local restaurant in Livingstone for an own expense dinner. Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge or similar - Breakfast

After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy a relaxed morning soaking up the atmosphere of Livingstone before setting off on a scenic transfer with a local Zambian guide. As the journey unfolds, keep your eyes open and your curiosity alive--today's adventure takes you across one of Africa's most fascinating border regions. Cross into Botswana via the impressive Kazungula Bridge, a 923-metre-long road and rail bridge spanning the mighty Zambezi River between Zambia and Botswana. The bridge passes through the renowned Kazungula Quadripoint, widely considered the only place in the world where four countries--Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe--nearly meet at a single point. Celebrated as the "Four Corners of Africa," this unique geographical location comes with an intriguing twist: while the four nations come remarkably close together, their borders do not technically converge at a single point, making it one of the continent's most fascinating geographical curiosities. Once in Botswana, head out on a memorable boat safari along the Chobe River. Home to more than 50,000 elephants, Chobe National Park offers one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Experiencing the park from the water provides a completely different perspective--elephants wading among water lilies, hippos surfacing alongside the boat, and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks before slipping silently beneath the surface. The close-up encounters and ever-changing river scenery make for an immersive and unforgettable safari experience. Lunch is served on the boat. Arrive at the lodge in Kasane late afternoon, where the Chobe River and surrounding wilderness set the scene for the adventures ahead. Set up camp, relax and reflect on the day's discoveries before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by the guides at the campsite. Overnight at Thebe River Safaris Lodge Campsite or similar- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we pack up camp and continue south towards Nata, the gateway to the vast Makgadikgadi region. This small settlement is best known for its proximity to the legendary Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats on Earth, where endless horizons and shimmering landscapes create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. We venture westward toward the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a surreal landscape that is stark and otherworldly. From shimmering mirages hovering over bleached moonscape surfaces to lush grass plains that bloom after the rains - the silent vastness and unearthly colours will stir something deep within you. Sleep under the open skies with a cascade of stars that seem to fall from the galaxy above you (weather permitting). You'll feel a connection to the universe, magnified by the distance you are from the madding crowd. Overnight by camping under the stars - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner NOTE: If the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are inaccessible due to weather, we will camp at a watering hole, with elephants for company.

After several action-packed days, the morning unfolds at a more relaxed pace. View one of Africa's most memorable sunrises over one of the largest salt flats on Earth! The journey continues with a guided walk through Chanoga Village near Maun, an authentic rural community rarely visited by tourists. Accompanied by a resident, gain a genuine insight into daily life in Botswana, where traditions remain strong, and community, family, and the land shape life's rhythms. This is a rare opportunity to experience a side of Africa that few travellers encounter. Arriving at Drifters Maun Lodge--our peaceful home next to the Boteti River--enjoy a light lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. Unwind beside the pool, take a stroll along the riverbank, or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere. The Boteti River's water levels and flow are largely dependent on rainfall in northern Botswana and Angola. When water flows strongly, it transforms the surrounding landscape into a haven for select wildlife. With water drawing animals to the river's edge, sightings of hippos, other wildlife, and an abundance of birdlife are often possible right from the lodge grounds, bringing the magic of Botswana's wilderness quite literally to your doorstep. As the sun sets, gather for dinner at the restaurant and share stories from another remarkable day on the road. An evening filled with excitement and anticipation for the wilderness experiences that await in one of Africa's most extraordinary safari regions. Overnight at Drifters Maun Lodge Campsite or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The adventure ends after breakfast. We recommend extending the experience by 6 nights to continue with the group into the Okavango Delta and wildlife safaris in the Khwai/Moremi game reserves, before continuing to South Africa or back home. OPTIONAL Post-night at Drifters Maun Lodge or similar - Breakfast